A new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has said the UK will be "increasingly reliant" on tourism this year as the sector's growth out-paces the economy.

It is thought the UK travel and tourism industry will increase by 1.3 per cent in 2012, which is double the 0.6 per cent rate of growth for the wider economy predicted over the next year.

WTTC said this rate of growth will see travel and tourism directly contribute £35.6bn, while creating nearly 950,000 jobs. The sector's total impact will be more than £100bn.

The UK is facing an important year for tourism, with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games expected to draw in increased numbers of visitors.

Last year saw the industry grow by 4.1 per cent - five times the rate of the overall economy, which was up 0.7 per cent according to the Office of National Statistics.

WTTC president and chief executive officer Dave Scowsill said: "At a time of significant economic hardship, the travel and tourism industry is helping to beat the recession by generating jobs and growth at a faster rate than the wider UK economy."

Details: www.wttc.org (PDF)

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